TreadleOn Block Exchanges - Basic Blocks - Half-Square Triangles
Home Page
Back to TOBE Page
These instructions are for the regular, easy, beginners' blocks and are useful for all sorts of projects
I show a "trimmed" block as this is easier to keep accurate, there are other methods and ways of making multiples, Google for lots of ways...
You need:-
Squares of fabric, preferably cotton.
Two squares make two HST blocks
TOBE fabrics should be pre-washed before cutting
Square ruler at least as big as your trimmed block size
Cutter and mat
Pencil
Treadle or hand-crank machine(s)
Cotton thread, please
Start by cutting two squares of your fabrics at least an inch bigger than the finished size required,so, for the usual 6-inch finished block, cut 7-inch squares
Pin them right-sides together (RST) and draw a line exactly corner to corner (Tip, easier on the lighter fabric)
I recommend ordinary pencil for this
I have used a contrast thread for clarity, it's usually best to match the lighter colour, or use a medium grey or beige...
Look at your square ruler - you will see it has a diagonal line running from corner to corner.
Lay your first block Right Side Up on your mat and with this diagonal line exactly on the seam, making sure you have the required finished size available on all four sides. not forgetting that a 6-inch finished block is trimmed to 6-1/2 inches...
Trim right side and top, making sure you hold everything firmly, and remove the trimmings
(Left-handers, trim the whole thing 90 degrees and cut left and top)
And, yes, I know these are 4-1/2 inches trimmed, but hey...
Note - sometimes it is better not to trim blocks before sending. If you are at all worried about your accuracy or cutting skills ask your TOBE host if it's OK to send blocks for trimming by the recipient...
Do make sure they are big enough!
If you are making lots of blocks for a quilt of your own, trim only when you are ready to assemble the top to save unravelling
